The Irish Times

Connacht Rugby season preview: Good start essential if Friend’s men are to reach their goal

Upheaval and season format against them but Connacht will aim to defy the odds again

Thu Sept 23 2021 - 06:00

Connacht’s Stephen Fitzgerald forced to retire through injury aged 25

Former Munster back ‘heartbroken’ after knee injury forces him to hang up boots

Tue May 18 2021 - 18:12

Connacht set to get international boost for trip to Rodney Parade

A number of Ireland players in line to return for game against the Dragons

Wed Nov 04 2020 - 06:00

McFarland and Ulster approaching Connacht clash as ‘a win-and-in’

Andy Friend’s new-look side out to make their own statement on Sunday

Sat Aug 22 2020 - 06:00

Champions Cup: Kick-off times, TV details, team news and more

Three of the four Irish sides could still be involved come the knockout stages in April

Thu Jan 16 2020 - 09:00

Welcome news for Friend as Connacht injury list lightens

Kieran Marmion and Tom Farrell set to return as attention turns to Pro 14

Tue Jan 14 2020 - 16:36

Rampant Leinster expose gulf in quality against Connacht

Deegan gives best ever showing in a blue jersey against injury-ravaged visitors

Mon Jan 06 2020 - 00:00

Leinster expose embarrassingly brittle Connacht defence

James Ryan’s injury a concern as Leinster make easy work of Connacht at the RDS

Sat Jan 04 2020 - 19:54

Munster stay top of the tree as they contain Connacht’s ambition

Disciplined away performance earns Johann van Graan’s side the points in Galway

Sat Dec 21 2019 - 19:36

Amazon advertising in retail spots could become a familiar irony

Black Friday promotion has understandably sparked frustration in Dublin

Sat Nov 23 2019 - 08:45

Toulouse to test Connacht’s never-say-die attitude

Godwin and Porch named on the wings for the Irish side, with Farrell coming into midfield

Fri Nov 22 2019 - 18:13

True grit reaps its reward as depleted Connacht thrive in adversity

Fitzgerald penalty earns Friend’s side a deeply satisfying win over Montpellier

Mon Nov 18 2019 - 06:00

Vinyl renaissance gives Golden Discs new lease of life

Music business opens new store in Dublin’s Jervis Shopping Centre

Sun Nov 17 2019 - 17:28

Leinster flex their muscles and land knockout blow on Connacht

Leo Cullen’s side had bonus point wrapped up inside half an hour in Galway

Fri Nov 08 2019 - 22:15

Injuries force Connacht to make changes as they face unbeaten Cheetahs

Andy Friend brings in Stephen Fitzgerald at fullback, with Adeolokun introduced on the right wing, and Porch switching to the left

Fri Oct 25 2019 - 14:57

Munster make four changes as Connacht target first win

New Ulster signing Bill Johnston makes his competitive debut against Toyota Cheetahs

Fri Oct 04 2019 - 13:04

Leinster, Munster and Connacht name their Pro14 teams

The Irish provinces begin their season this weekend, with three in action on Saturday

Fri Sept 27 2019 - 15:09

Vinyl renaissance helps boost revenues at Golden Discs

Sales surpass €13m as record shop chain takes outlet count up to 16 with more due

Thu Aug 01 2019 - 10:33

The making of Darby O’Gill and the Little People

Walt Disney aimed the film at Americans with ‘shamrocks in their eyes’. He missed

Sat Jun 22 2019 - 05:00

Ulster are worthy winners over Connacht to reach semi-finals

Rory Best says goodbye to the Kingspan as a player, but his Ulster days aren’t over yet

Sat May 04 2019 - 20:10

Gerry Thornley: Big farewell beckons for Best and Cave

Well-matched Ulster and Connacht look set to produce a riveting Pro14 encounter

Sat May 04 2019 - 01:00

Munster make advances but come up short of their objectives

Away clash with Leinster looms again if Benetton are overcome in quarter-final

Mon Apr 29 2019 - 06:00

Munster with more to play for in push for top place in Conference A

Johann Van Graan’s strong side includes 11 who lined out against Saracens last week

Sat Apr 27 2019 - 06:00

Munster’s Ronan O’Mahony is retiring with immediate effect

The winger sustained a broken leg and dislocated ankle against Treviso two years

Wed Apr 10 2019 - 18:12

Connacht run in six tries to rout Ospreys at Sportsground

Andy Friend’s side stay in hunt for Pro 14 playoffs and Champions Cup qualification

Sat Mar 02 2019 - 17:52

Connacht should just about have edge to see off playoff rival

Pro14 preview: Connacht v Ospreys, Sportsground (2.45, live on TG4, Premier Sports 1)

Fri Mar 01 2019 - 15:10

Ultan Dillane and Quinn Roux named in Connacht team

‘We’ve seen a really positive response after a disappointing result last weekend’

Fri Mar 01 2019 - 12:20

Connacht get hit for six as Glasgow take the bonus at Scotstoun

Andy Friend’s side suffer setback in bid to narrow gap on Scottish side

Fri Feb 22 2019 - 22:26

Connacht opt for blend of youth and experience for Glasgow trip

Daly will play in midfield for the visitors, while Fitzgerald continues on the right wing

Fri Feb 22 2019 - 06:00

Kieran Marmion returns to action as Connacht hold off Cheetahs

International scrumhalf plays final quarter of entertaining encounter in Galway

Sat Feb 16 2019 - 20:03

Kieran Marmion returns as Irish contingent named in Connacht XV

Loan signing Stephen Fitzgerald will make his first Connacht start against the Cheetahs

Fri Feb 15 2019 - 12:14

Connacht aiming to end festive period on a high

Victory over Munster would complete a positive period for Friend’s in-form squad

Thu Jan 03 2019 - 06:00

Connacht and Ulster make four changes apiece for Sportsground showdown

Connacht change half their pack as they look to get over Leinster loss

Thu Dec 27 2018 - 12:46

Golden Discs tunes up to open three new stores

Retailer will have 19 outlets to complement online business

Wed Nov 07 2018 - 14:33